NBC News has stepped up security at their Today show studios in New York City after co-host Savannah Guthrie’s mother was kidnapped from her Arizona home last weekend.
The network has reportedly asked the NYPD to station uniformed police officers with their private security personnel at the midtown Manhattan studio and surrounding offices.
Nancy Guthrie, 84, was kidnapped from her Tucson home this weekend and remains missing.
“Things are tense at the studio, and that as a result, NBC has stepped up security for on-air talent,” The U.S. Sun reported. “NBC has partnered with the NYPD to make sure their staff remains safe, out of an abundance of caution.”
Savannah Guthrie’s co-hosts have spoken publicly about how Nancy’s disappearance has affected the Today show staff. Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones addressed the kidnapping during their show Tuesday morning.
“The search for her mom, Nancy, continues. She is a woman who is loved deeply by everyone here at Today,” Bush Hager said when opening the show.
“I’ll just tell you guys behind the scenes…we’re all rattled,” Jones said. “We’re all shaken. We all recognize that we have a job to do. But as you guys know, we’re family around here, and it’s not just something that we say. We’ve all been a little rattled.”
Nancy Guthrie was last seen January 30 after her daughter Annie dropped her off at her Tucson home following dinner. She was discovered missing after failing to attend her usual church services the following morning.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said investigators believe Nancy Guthrie was taken from her home against her will, possibly in the middle of the night.
“She did not walk away. We believe she was forced to leave that residence. It was against her will,” Nanos said.